Why People Are Leaving HubSpot?

People are leaving HubSpot because they’re tired of the hidden costs, limited features, and endless frustrations. 

Fact: 7% of Hubspot users migrated from HubSpot to a different CRM. 

This isn’t just an opinion, it’s a reality many have come to face. What started as a “simple” marketing platform has become a money pit, where basic tools are locked behind expensive upgrades, API access costs extra, and customer support takes days to respond. People are realizing they’re paying premium prices for a system that overcomplicates simple tasks, wastes their time, and still leaves them needing third-party tools.

The breaking point? When companies see competitors getting better results with platforms that cost half as much and work twice as fast, they switch to better platforms like GoHighLevel.

That’s where I Muhammad Nouman come in. As a GoHighLevel Certified Expert, I’ve helped over 20 businesses successfully break free from HubSpot’s expensive ecosystem migrating and rebuilding their automation workflows from the ground up, and reducing their software costs by up to 70%. With the right setup, scaling your firm becomes not just possible, but inevitable.

HubSpot is losing users due to high costs, complex pricing, and feature gating across multiple hubs. Many businesses find the platform’s learning curve too steep and support too limited. Customization is restricted unless you’re on expensive enterprise plans or hiring developers. Third-party integrations often require extra tools like Zapier, leading to added costs and inefficiencies. Platform bugs, automation errors, and occasional downtime have hurt user trust. Customer support tiers limit fast, hands-on help unless you pay more.Businesses today want lean, all-in-one tools that don’t require stitching together five platforms. GoHighLevel is emerging as a top HubSpot alternative for U.S. agencies, coaches, and local businesses. GoHighLevel offers CRM, funnels, email/SMS automation, bookings, and white-labeling all under one roof. U.S. businesses switching to GoHighLevel are saving money, reducing tech clutter, and scaling faster. Book a free strategy call with Certified GoHighLevel Expert Muhammad Nouman and get your CRM migration or automation game plan locked in no tech headaches, just results.

In this article, I will highlight all the reasons people are leaving HubSpot:

Reasons for Growing Shift Away from HubSpot

HubSpot entered the market with an all-in-one platform promising seamless inbound marketing, email automation, CRM, sales, and more. For years, it was the go-to solution for thousands of U.S. businesses looking to streamline operations.

But over time, the narrative has shifted. Users on Reddit, Capterra, and G2 are vocal: the platform just isn’t delivering the same value it once did. And in 2025, with businesses tightening budgets and demanding leaner tech stacks, more users are walking away from the orange ecosystem.

HubSpot’s Initial Appeal

To understand why people are leaving, we must understand why they joined in the first place.

• All-in-One Solution: HubSpot simplified marketing and CRM by putting everything under one roof.
• Inbound Methodology: It championed non-invasive, lead-nurturing tactics that revolutionized digital marketing.
• Free CRM Hook: Many U.S. small businesses were attracted to the “free forever” CRM, only to find later the real functionality locked behind paywalls.

In short, HubSpot was the shiny new toy especially appealing to startups and growing agencies. But what once looked like a beacon of efficiency is now causing friction and frustration.

1. Hidden Costs and Pricing Complexity

Let’s talk dollars because that’s often the tipping point for U.S. businesses.

HubSpot’s pricing model is famously complex. Here’s what users are saying:

• “It’s death by add-on.
• “Started at $50/month. Now I’m paying over $1,200 and still limited.”

The core problem? HubSpot separates its tools into “Hubs” Marketing, Sales, Service, CMS, and Operations. Want automation? That’s in Marketing Hub Professional. Need customer service features? That’s Service Hub Pro. Soon, you’re juggling $800–$2,000 per month, even for mid-sized teams.

For U.S.-based small businesses, that pricing creep is unsustainable. In a competitive economy, every dollar matters.

2.  Steep Learning Curve and Usability Challenges

HubSpot is marketed as user-friendly, but many users report otherwise.

• Initial setup can take weeks
• Advanced automation requires developer-level knowledge
• Support often links to articles rather than hands-on help

Even seasoned marketers in U.S. agencies often hire HubSpot consultants just to set things up properly. That defeats the purpose of an “easy-to-use” CRM. And for business owners without tech skills? It’s a constant uphill climb.

3. Limitations in Customization and Flexibility

Another reason users are leaving? HubSpot’s rigidity.

Yes, it has features. But customizing those features to fit your unique business workflow? That’s another story.

• Can’t build certain funnels unless you pay for Marketing Hub Enterprise
• Custom objects and reporting require upper-tier plans
• Landing pages and email templates are inflexible without custom code

For example, a U.S. eCommerce business looking to segment leads by purchase behavior might find HubSpot’s automation frustratingly limited unless they upgrade or hire a developer. That’s a blocker for scalability.

4. Integration Issues with Third-Party Tools

HubSpot integrates with hundreds of tools but not always well.

Real-life example: A digital agency in California using ClickFunnels and HubSpot found syncing lead data between the two nearly impossible without Zapier hacks (which cost extra). Worse, delays or bugs caused lead to go missing.

• Some integrations are only available at the Pro level
• APIs have rate limits and inconsistencies
• Tools like Stripe, Calendly, or QuickBooks don’t always “talk” well with HubSpot

In a world where tools like GoHighLevel, Pipedrive, and Zoho CRM offer smoother native integrations, HubSpot’s patchwork approach feels outdated.

5. Customer Support: Rising Concerns

Customer service is supposed to be a key feature of HubSpot but it’s another area where users are voicing frustration.

• Long wait times, especially on lower-tier plans
• Repetitive “read this article” responses
• Limited live support unless you’re paying enterprise rates

One U.S. marketing consultant shared on LinkedIn that they were passed between three support reps over two weeks for a simple issue. That’s valuable time lost especially for service-based businesses.

6. Performance Issues and Platform Downtime

Several users have reported system lags with outages and bugs in workflows or forms not firing correctly.

And when something breaks especially in your automation or lead gen it can cost thousands in lost revenue.

• “HubSpot forms stopped syncing for 48 hours and we didn’t even know until our funnel dried up.”
• “Automation errors silently failed. We only realized after we lost a major client.”

Reliability matters, and for U.S. businesses with high-volume campaigns or seasonal bursts, these hiccups can’t be ignored.

What Makes Businesses Look for an Alternative to HubSpot?

One of the most common reasons businesses are leaving HubSpot and Migrating to GoHighLevel is the increasing cost. What seemed like a simple solution has now become a system full of hidden fees and extra charges.

It doesn’t stop there! After paying 800+/month, you′ll still need Zapier 99+/month for basic integrations, Calendly ($12/user) for scheduling, and yet another analytics tool because HubSpot’s reporting can’t handle multi-touch attribution. 

Same Story? Book a free strategy call with me today, Let’s solve your problems in detail.

Hear this:

The wake-up call comes when you realize:

• Your 1,200/month HubSpot plan delivers less functionality than a $297 alternative; GoHighLevel
• Competitors are launching campaigns in the time it takes your team to fight with workflows
• That so-called “all-in-one” platform has you maintaining 5+ supplemental tools

The data doesn’t lie – companies switching platforms typically see:

• 60% faster campaign deployment
• 45% reduction in required integrations
• 30+ hours/month recovered from UX friction

When your CRM becomes the bottleneck rather than the accelerator, it’s not you – it’s them. And that’s exactly why the exodus is happening.

The question isn’t “Why are people leaving?”

It’s “Why haven’t you left yet?”

Better Alternatives in the Market

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter: why leave HubSpot?

Because better options exist.

GoHighLevel

GoHighLevel is the top HubSpot alternative many U.S. agencies and SMBs are migrating to. Why?

• All-in-one platform for CRM, marketing automation, funnels, texting, voicemail drops, calendars, and more
• Flat pricing starting at $97/month (no upsells)
• White-label ready for agencies
• Powerful client communication tools

For U.S. real estate agents, local service businesses, coaches, and course creators, GoHighLevel is tailor-made.

ActiveCampaign

Strong in automation, leaner interface, and lower cost for startups and solopreneurs.

Zoho CRM

Highly customizable, affordable, and solid for enterprises with internal tech teams.

These alternatives don’t just match HubSpot’s features; they often exceed them in usability and cost-efficiency.

Comparative Analysis: HubSpot vs. Competitors

If you want to step up with your business while keeping the expense limited, Contact me for a free strategy call.

What Is GoHighLevel?

GoHighLevel is an all-in-one CRM and marketing automation platform designed to replace multiple tools in a business’s tech stack. Tailored especially for U.S.-based marketing agencies, local businesses, and coaches, it offers enterprise-level power without the enterprise price tag.

What sets GoHighLevel apart is its flat pricing, agency-focused tools, and built-in automation features that help users save time, boost lead conversion, and simplify client communication. While HubSpot segments feature across costly hubs, GoHighLevel offers everything in one dashboard with o confusing upsells.

Key Features of GoHighLevel:

• CRM & Pipeline Management: Visualize leads and sales stages with drag-and-drop simplicity.
• Built-in Funnels & Landing Pages: Create high-converting pages without third-party tools.
• Email & SMS Marketing: Automate text and email sequences directly from the platform.
• 2-Way Calling & Voicemail Drops: Engage leads instantly through integrated communication tools.
• Appointment Booking & Calendars: Sync schedules, reduce no-shows, and streamline bookings.
• Reputation Management: Collect and manage Google reviews from one dashboard.
• White-Labeling for Agencies: Offer your own branded CRM service to clients.
• AI Chatbot & Workflow Automation: Smart tools to follow up, nurture, and close deals 24/7.

Case Studies: Real Businesses That Switched and Why

Let’s look at real stories from the HubSpot clients:

A Texas-based Marketing Agency

They were paying $1,800/month on HubSpot. After switching to GoHighLevel:

• Cut costs by 75%
• Built client funnels and lead nurture workflows under one roof
• Started reselling CRM access to clients with white labeling

A New Jersey Plumbing Business

Left HubSpot due to confusing automation setup and unreliable email deliverability. Switched to GoHighLevel:

• Got automated follow-ups, invoices, and calendar bookings set up in 3 days
• Increased booked jobs by 40% within 30 days

A Chicago Online Coach

Was using HubSpot + Calendly + Kajabi + ConvertKit. Moved everything to GoHighLevel and now:

• Runs online courses, email marketing, SMS, and landing pages from one login
• Saved over $500/month in tool costs

Let’s Migrate Your from HubSpot to GoHighLevel

Hire me, Muhammad Nouman, a business coach and a certified GoHighLevel expert to smoothly migrate your business without any downtime or data loss. Book a Strategy Call today with me!

FAQs

How does GoHighLevel solve HubSpot frustrations?

GoHighLevel is a cheaper, simpler “all-in-one” alternative addressing HubSpot’s hidden costs, complexity, slow support, and integration needs.

What are GoHighLevel’s main advantages over HubSpot?

Lower cost, easier interface, faster campaigns, fewer integrations needed, and better support.

Does GoHighLevel have basic marketing tools like HubSpot?

Yes, GoHighLevel offers core tools like email marketing and automation without expensive upgrades.

How does GoHighLevel handle integrations better than HubSpot?

GoHighLevel is “all-in-one,” reducing the need for costly third-party integration tools often required by HubSpot.

Is it difficult to switch from HubSpot to GoHighLevel?

Yes if you are doing it yourself. Experts like Muhammad Nouman can help with a smooth migration process, especially your core data safety and automation transfer.

The Best Alternative to HubSpot: GoHighLevel

If you’ve been reading this far, you’ve probably already figured out that GoHighLevel is the ideal alternative to HubSpot. After all, it directly addresses many of the frustrations we’ve discussed, hidden fees, complex interfaces, lack of integrations, and poor customer support. But what makes GoHighLevel stand out even more is that it’s not just an alternative; it’s a better solution for small businesses.

As I mentioned in my previous article on HubSpot vs. GoHighLevel, GoHighLevel provides a simplified, cost-effective platform that meets all your marketing, CRM, and automation needs without the extra costs. GoHighLevel offers everything you need to run your business efficiently. Best of all, it does so at a fraction of the price of HubSpot.

I’ve helped over 20 businesses make the switch smoothly. From transferring data and contacts to rebuilding workflows and automation, I handle the entire process so you don’t have to. If you don’t want to deal with the headaches of HubSpot and want a more affordable, user-friendly, and powerful solution, 

Switch to GoHighLevel today! 

Don’t let the frustrations of HubSpot hold you back any longer. Reach out to me, A GoHighLevel Certified Expert Book a strategy call with me today and I’ll guide you through a smooth migration process, ensuring your business continues to grow without missing a beat!

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